What's New...

Fee Schedule Revisions Adoptedby MWCC

The Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission has recently adopted revisions to the Mississippi Workers' Comp Medical Fee Schedule. This schedule was last revised in 2007. MASI was very involved in the last revision and was again allowed to be very involved in this one. A lengthy list of proposed improvements to the Fee Schedule was adopted by MASI and delivered to the MWCC, and many of MASI's recommendations were included in the revision.

The new schedule became effective July 1. To view the new schedule, click here.

2010 Legislative Session Completed

The 2010 Mississippi Legislative Session was a challenging session for Mississippi legislators as they faced the most serious budget shortfalls in many years. In addition, numerous efforts were underway to introduce legislation that could have created serious concerns for Mississippi's Workers' Comp Industry, the most worrisome of all being a"10 in 10" push by labor activists, which would have increased benefit periods from 450 weeks to 520 weeks, "10 years in 2010". This move would have been very harmful in the present economy, costing employers and Mississippi State Government millions of dollars, thereby adding to the economic difficulties many businesses are facing. As the watchdog for Self-Insured Workers' Comp in Mississippi, MASI successfully helped defeat all harmful legislation which would have jeopardized our industry and our economy. MASI is not opposed to a fair system, but we do oppose any changes which would further damage the ability of Mississippi businesses to operate successfully, thereby jeopardizing the employment of the many hardworking citizens of our state who need jobs.

To view MASI's 2010 Legislative Agenda, click here

To link to the Mississippi State Government's Web Page, click here

To link to the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission Web Page, click here

MASI Drafts Compromise Bill for 2010 Session

In response to a request made by House Insurance Chairman Walter Robinson at a special hearing held in August, 2009, MASI drafted a compromise bill encompassing several different issues. The bill would have accomplished several things:

1. Provide protection of the Self-Insured Guaranty Fund, allowing it to be a fund of last resort when a failing company or re-insurer has recourse from a fund in another state.
2. Provide stronger laws against workplace drug and alcohol use, including allowing the admissibility in court of all post-accident testing.
3. Direct appeal of all Workers' Comp cases to the Mississippi Court of Appeals, thus streamlining the judicial process.
4. Increasing several benefit amounts: $1000 for Surviving Spouse, $5000 for funeral expenses, and $25 per week for additional maintenance compensation.

NOTE: DUE TO THE LACK OF SUPPORT AND COOPERATION FROM THE OPPOSING SIDES, MASI DECIDED TO WITHDRAW THIS COMPROMISE BILL FROM CONSIDERATION.

To view a copy of this Compromise Bill, click here

MASI Hosts Very Successful Legislative Luncheons

For the third year, MASI hosted Legislative Luncheons to allow our members to meet with legislators and discuss issues of concern to them. Over sixty people attended the November luncheons, held at River Hills Club in Jackson and at Mary Mahoneys in Biloxi. Attending the luncheons were Hon. Walter Robinson, Chairman, House Ins. Comm., Hon. Brandon Jones, Vice-Chairman, House Ins. Comm., Hon. Billy Hewes, President Pro-Tem of the Senate and member of the Senate Ins. Comm., Hon. Walter Michel, State Senator, Hon. Joe Warren, House Ins. Committee, and Hon. Jessica Upshaw, House Ins. Committee. Also attending were Hon. Liles Williams, Chairman of the MWCC and Preston Williams, Director of Self-Insurance, MWCC.

Legislative Updates

To keep our members informed, MASI will be e-mailed regular Legislative Updates to our members. These updates tracked all bills that are introduced that pertain to Workers' Comp issues.

To view the 2010 Legislative Update # 1, click here.
To view the 2010 Legislative Update # 2, click here.

To view the 2010 Legislative Update # 8, click here.

 

National Healthcare Reform Could Affect Workers' Comp

The debate currently taking place in Washington could have historic implications not only on our nation's healthcare program but on workers' comp as well. For updates on these reform efforts, click on the following links:

• Self-Insurance Institue of America Update, March 10 - Detailed Explanation of New Law
• National Association of Health Underwriters Comparison
• Self-Insurance Institute of America Update, December 09

What Does MASI Do?

The Mississippi Association of Self-Insurers was established to represent the interests of the self-insurance industry through legislative and regulatory actions. The Association membership is composed of group self-insurer funds and individual self-insured employers.

The Association is strongly supported by many professional members who serve self-insurers such as rehabilitation counselors, third party administrators, law firms, and specialists in various other services. The Association is directed by a Board of Directors with a representative from each Group Association and representatives selected from individual self-insured companies.

Legislative, Regulatory, Public Relations and Individual Self-Insured Committees have been established to recommend present and future policies for the association.